Zojoji Temple

Days in Tokyo have been sizzling hot but the trees in the temple garden might provide a bit of necessary shade. Not on any note as controversial as Yasukuni Jinja, Zojoji Temple is the main temple of the Jodo Buddhist sect. You´ll find it in the vicinity of Shiba-koen and Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower is spotted in the background. It was built in 1958 and was of course modelled after the Eiffel Tower (1092 feet high, Tokyo Tower measures 30 feet higher, hatssuuuuuu!).


The Sanmon is the main gate (seen from behind) to the temple. It was built in 1605 and is constructed in the Chinese Tang style, popular in the early Edo period (1603-1868). All other buildings in the temple compound were destroyed during the air raids in 1945.

In the surrounding garden, there are rows of statues dressed in red little bonnets and bibs often with colourful windmills. This baby-like statue is Jizo, the guardian of children and the children who died young. He is also the guardian of the souls of miscarried,stillborn and aborted fetuses. He also protects travellers as well as firefighters.

Take care in the heat and have a great weekend!